Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph believes that his country's round of 16 match against France will present them with the opportunity to create history.

Martin O'Neill's side defied the odds to qualify from Group E after they edged out Italy via a late winner in their final match of the group stage.




The win means that the Irish qualified for the knockout stages by virtue of a third place finish in the group.

And now as they prepare to face host France in the last 16 stage, where Randolph will come up against his West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet, the goalkeeper insists that they will be ready for it.
 


According to the former Birmingham City man, it will be something that they will be looking to enjoy. It will also give them the chance to etch their names into the history books and will be recognition of all the hard work they have put in.  

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“It is another great occasion and the chance for us to get in the history books against the hosts in the last 16", Randolph told West Ham's official website.

“It is something to go and enjoy. We have worked incredibly hard."

Speaking about their opponents in the last 16 stage, Randolph said: “It is not just about Dimi although he is grabbing all the headlines right now so we will see what happens at the weekend."